About This Project
This excerpt describes the project in one paragraph.
Age-Friendly Oxford (AFO) is a community improvement initiative focused on creating livability in Oxford and the surrounding townships within the Talawanda School District (Hanover, Milford, Oxford, Reily). AFO follows the World Health Organization’s Global Age-Friendly Cities Project and AARP’s U.S. Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The initiative is spearheaded by a collaboration of three key organizations: Oxford Seniors, Inc., the fiduciary agent; Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University, which coordinates administrative tasks; and the City of Oxford, which serves as the official applicant to the AARP Network. Together, these organizations work towards an inclusive, livable community that promotes well-being for all citizens, with a particular emphasis on the needs of older adults. AFO’s approach aligns with the AARP Age-Friendly Network’s continuous improvement cycle and focuses on creating accessible housing, transportation, social opportunities, and services. By building livability features that benefit older adults, the program improves the overall quality of life for the entire community.
Aims
AIM 1: Create livability improvements in Oxford and surrounding townships by addressing housing, transportation, social opportunities, and services that promote the well-being of residents of all ages.
AIM 2: Foster a continuous, collaborative process between community organizations, local government, and residents to ensure that age-friendly initiatives are effectively implemented and responsive to the needs of the Oxford community.
AIM 3: Develop a model for sustainable, community-led age-friendly initiatives that can be adapted and replicated in other communities.
Dates
The project began in 2017 with Oxford’s application to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and it has entered its second five-year cycle starting in 2023.
Funder
The project is supported by the City of Oxford, AARP, and Oxford Seniors, Inc., with the collaborative oversight of the Scripps Gerontology Center.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the leadership and guidance of Oxford Seniors, Inc., the Scripps Gerontology Center, and the City of Oxford, as well as the contributions of the AFO Leadership Team and the Community Advisory Group who help shape AFO’s initiatives. Special recognition is given to Oxford City Council for their unwavering support and for passing the resolution in 2017 to join the AARP Age-Friendly Network.
Project Personnel
Reports and Publications
A list of publications and reports. These can link to PDF files or other websites.
Resources
Curricular Connections
Age-Friendly Oxford integrates key concepts from gerontology, urban planning, and community development. The project aligns with professional development frameworks for aging services professionals, urban planners, and social workers, providing valuable learning opportunities for students and professionals in these fields.
Reports and Publications
- Oxford Age-Friendly Initiative Report 2023
Authors: Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon, Oxford Seniors, Inc.
Topics: Aging, community development, livability, policy initiatives - AARP Age-Friendly Network: Oxford’s Progress Report
Authors: Scripps Gerontology Center
Topics: Community initiatives, aging, policy change, and sustainable improvement cycles
Other Dissemination Outlets
- Podcasts discussing the development of age-friendly communities and the impact of age-friendly initiatives.
- Press releases to local and national media about AFO’s progress and outcomes.
- Webinars and online forums with community members to discuss the AFO model.
- Social media campaigns to promote AFO’s work, events, and success stories.
Social Media
[Insert links to social media accounts here]
Project Home Page Content
Age-Friendly Oxford (AFO) is a collaborative community initiative aimed at creating livability in Oxford and the surrounding townships within the Talawanda School District. By addressing key domains of livability, including housing, transportation, and services, AFO works to build a community where residents of all ages thrive. The project is guided by a leadership team composed of Oxford Seniors, Inc., Scripps Gerontology Center, and the City of Oxford, along with active participation from the local community. AFO’s work reflects a commitment to creating a more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant community for older adults, while improving the quality of life for all its residents.
Join us in creating a community where people of all ages are valued, engaged, and supported.
Commercial Products
- Age-Friendly Community Toolkit
Description: A guide for communities to implement age-friendly initiatives, based on the experience of Age-Friendly Oxford.
Target Audience: Community organizers, policymakers, local governments
Value: Provides a roadmap for developing and maintaining age-friendly communities. - Age-Friendly Oxford Action Plan
Description: A comprehensive action plan outlining goals and strategies for improving livability in Oxford and the surrounding townships.
Target Audience: Local government officials, community leaders, planners
Value: Serves as a model for other cities and communities to replicate the success of AFO. - Age-Friendly Oxford Community Assessment Tools
Description: A set of assessment tools for evaluating community needs and identifying areas for improvement to enhance livability.
Target Audience: Community organizations, researchers, local governments
Value: Facilitates data-driven decision-making to address aging-related challenges and improve services for all generations.
Social Policy Implications
The Age-Friendly Oxford initiative directly supports state-level policy decisions related to aging services, urban planning, and public health. The project advocates for policies that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability, promoting the well-being of older adults while benefiting the entire community.
Advocacy Campaigns
AFO will engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of age-friendly communities, with a particular focus on encouraging policymakers to adopt similar initiatives in other regions. The campaign will highlight how age-friendly policies lead to better quality of life, increased community engagement, and improved health outcomes for older adults.
Education and Training Materials
The Age-Friendly Oxford project will produce educational materials, such as training programs for community organizations and local leaders, to ensure that age-friendly policies are understood and implemented effectively. These resources will include workshops, certification programs, and webinars on best practices for creating age-friendly communities.
Cross-Sector Collaborations
Age-Friendly Oxford fosters collaborations between local government, healthcare providers, aging service organizations, and community groups. These partnerships enhance the collective impact of the initiative, creating a more holistic approach to improving livability and supporting older adults.
Non-Profit or Governmental Partnerships
AFO works closely with non-profit organizations and governmental agencies to expand the reach of its work, seek funding opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that enhance the quality of life for older adults. Collaboration with AARP, local health departments, and aging services organizations ensures a broad base of support.
Innovation and Best Practices
Age-Friendly Oxford introduces innovative strategies for addressing aging-related challenges in urban environments. Its collaborative model, which involves multiple stakeholders working together, can serve as a blueprint for other communities looking to create sustainable, livable environments for people of all ages.
References
Any references or cited works can go here.
